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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Daniella Nichinson

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor

Daniella is the co-Arts Editor and is studying Marketing and Creative Writing, but lately has gone through the utterly clichéd phase of life known as an “existential crisis.” In her mind, it is still the 1970s because Pink Floyd reigns supreme and Jack Nicholson is a heartthrob. When Daniella abandons the delusions of her own mind and returns back to 2018, she enjoys writing, playing tennis, and absorbing all the film and music she can find. Daniella loves a good chat, so strike up a conversation about the best Italian film, why “The Wall” is a better album than “Dark Side of the Moon,” or how Freud’s theories aren’t that far-fetched, and you won’t be disappointed.

All content by Daniella Nichinson
Nicole Rosenthal

Nicole Rosenthal

Nicole Rosenthal May 7, 2020

At WSN, I was able to transform my passion into a fantastic experience that challenged the way I think, edit and write about my first love: music. Yes, I was able to rigorously...

Guru Ramanathan

Guru Ramanathan

Guru Ramanathan May 7, 2020

I didn’t expect myself to spend my entire college career in the WSN basement, but perhaps that’s a virtue of choosing to graduate early. While I’ve been fortunate enough...

Daniella Nichinson

Daniella Nichinson

Daniella Nichinson May 7, 2020

Working at WSN was one of the most fulfilling experiences I had while at NYU. It gave me the opportunity to express my love of film and the arts in a city rich with culture. From...

A student opens the Zoom application and prepares to sign in. Wednesday was the first day of NYU’s transition to online classes on Zoom, the video conferencing platform. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Zoom Proves a Challenge for Highly Interactive Classes

As the university switched to remote learning on March 11, students voiced their concerns on adapting to video-conferencing software.
Nicole Rosenthal, Editor-at-Large March 12, 2020

Last month, Gallatin senior Kate O’Mara was looking forward to visiting Dublin over spring break for a class that centered around the Irish writer James Joyce in his native city....

Housing Guide 2020

Housing Guide 2020

Guru Ramanathan, Under the Arch Managing Editor February 20, 2020

Quantitative and Emotional: the Many Contradictions of Wayne Carino

Quantitative and Emotional: the Many Contradictions of Wayne Carino

The Wagner grad student and NYU Sustainability Fellow does what he calls “background work,” but has been instrumental in and out of NYU to provide environmental policy solutions for marginalized communities and developing countries.
Guru Ramanathan, Under the Arch Managing Editor December 5, 2019

When Wayne Carino enters the NYU Office of Sustainability, he barely says a word to anyone before sitting down to work. Within minutes of coming into the office, he immediately...

Charly Bliss has had an eventful year, from releasing a new album with an updated sound, to going on tour to three continents. (Via Flickr)

Charly Bliss Comes of Age, Led by Clive Davis Alumna

Clive Davis alumna and Charly Bliss vocalist Eva Hendricks talks pop music, sad songs and her band’s critically-acclaimed sophomore album “Young Enough.”
Nicole Rosenthal, Editor-at-Large November 11, 2019

NYU alum-fronted band Charly Bliss has had a whirlwind year, to say the least. The pop-rock outfit — formed in 2011 as vocalist Eva Hendricks’ entry product to attend Tisch’s...

(via A24)

Ari Aster’s ‘Midsommar’ is a Delightful Nightmare in Daylight

Aster’s sophomore film is worlds away from the dimly-lit Hereditary.
Nicole Rosenthal, Editor-at-Large July 16, 2019

There are many reasons why Ari Aster’s new drama “Midsommar” might be not be classified as a horror movie. Our main location, the village commune of Hårga in Sweden,...

Kim Petras spoke to WSN about her songwriting, influences and performing on stage. (Photo courtesy Thom Kerr).

Pop’s Newest Princess Is Here, And Her Name Is Kim Petras

The singer, producer and LGBTQ activist discussed her heartbreaks, inspirations and new musical project in an interview with WSN.
Nicole Rosenthal, Editor-at-Large June 26, 2019

Pop has always crowned a new reigning princess at the beginning of each decade: Madonna, the Spice Girls, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga, respectively. As 2020 approaches and we...

Go Digital Or Go Home

Go Digital Or Go Home

As the presence of online journalism continues to grow, we must strive to use all forms of digital storytelling to our advantage.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor May 8, 2019

There is more than one way to tell a story. In the age of digital resources, social media and streaming, it is imperative that this notion is not just begrudgingly acknowledged...

Niri (Lima Das) making her feature debut in “Aamis.” (via Metanormal Motion Pictures)

‘Aamis’ Team on Their Flesh-Eating Romance at Tribeca

WSN sat down with the director, lead actress, producer and composers of the Assamese film.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor May 6, 2019

For all the surprises it holds, “Aamis,” writer and director Bhaskar Hazarika’s latest film, looks regrettably generic at first glance. A married clinician named Nirmali...

Bathe, a Brooklyn-based duo, performed during NYU Strawberry Festival. (via Twitter)

Brooklyn Duo Releases Debut EP at Strawberry Fest

“I’ll Miss You,” the first release from Bedford-Stuyvesant band Bathe, chronicles the first few months of the two living in New York.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor May 5, 2019

Brooklyn-based hip-hop group Bathe has been busy the past few days: not only did it warm up the stage for fellow Brooklynite and friend Triathlon at Strawberry Fest on Friday,...

Erturk graduated from Tisch in 2016 and premiered his feature film debut at Tribeca. (via Cenk Erturk)

Tisch MFA Alum Cenk Ertürk’s Journey to Tribeca

WSN sits down with Tisch MFA alum Cenk Ertürk to talk about “Noah Land,” his feature debut at Tribeca.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor May 2, 2019

When Turkish immigrant Cenk Ertürk first set foot in the United States, he came with a dream of being a filmmaker despite having no formal education in the craft. Little did he...

India Shore (left) and Claire Altendahl (right), the duo behind the pop-rock band The Blue who is gearing up for a performance on April 28. (Courtesy of The Blue)

Student-Run Label Produces Alternative Duo’s New Single

Village Records helped The Blue put out a single, music video and concert within a semester.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor April 28, 2019

Berklee College of Music graduates India Shore and Claire Altendahl became friends over an unexpected string of events. While auditioning for a vocal performance show as a solo...

Sharpay had some valid points, OK? (via Disney)

Unpopular Opinions: When the Villain Was Right

Our staff gives you some of their best hot takes on some of pop culture’s most notorious bad guys.

It’s one of the most fundamental, elemental tropes in storytelling — the good guy vs. the bad guy, light vs. darkness, good vs. evil. The examples are infinite — Harry Potter...

KC Dalager and Brad Hale from Now Now. (via Facebook)

Indie Rockers Now, Now Make a Comeback on Their Own Terms

The musical duo returns after six years to promote their third release “Saved” in Brooklyn.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor April 21, 2019

Riding the tail end of the late ’00s indie-rock revival, Minnesota-based band Now, Now seemed to meet the perfect criteria for success in 2012: a critically acclaimed sophomore...

A poster for the Lizzie McGuire Movie. (via wikimedia commons)

Staff Recs: Best Disney Channel Original Movies

We’ve talked about some of our favorite childhood Disney series, but let’s not forget how one of our favorite channels was churning out classic T.V. movies at this time as well.
We’ve talked about some of our favorite childhood Disney series, but let’s not forget how one of our favorite channels was churning out classic T.V. movies at this time as well.
The movie poster for Moonlight, an A24 film. (via A24)

Unpopular Opinion: A24 Films

Before you watch “Under the Silver Lake,” let’s revisit past A24 films and break down if they’re really as good as Tisch kids say they are.

Over the past few years, indie film studio A24 has taken over the independent movie zeitgeist, and certainly captured the love of the NYU community to the point where everyone...

Book cover of It's Kind of a Funny Story. (via Hyperion)

Unpopular Opinions: Young Adult Novels

The Arts Desk gives some fresh takes on novels for younger audiences.
Guru Ramanathan, Dante Sacco and Alex Cullina April 9, 2019

A new young adult novel adaptation, “After,” hits theaters this weekend, and for once it’s not based on a book by John Green or Nicholas Sparks. But instead of needlessly...

Arts Issue | Spring 2019

Arts Issue | Spring 2019

Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor April 3, 2019

(On the left side, top to bottom) Fish Night, Beyond the Aquila Rift, Alternate Histories, (The right side, top to bottom), When the Yogurt Took Over, Three Robots, Zima Blue.(Courtesy of Netflix)

‘Love, Death & Robots’ Is Good, Great and Forgettable

From farmers fighting aliens in mech suits to a cup of yogurt taking over the world, the new Netflix anthology series can be an emotional rollercoaster.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor April 1, 2019

David Fincher helped bring Netflix’s popularity to new heights with the critically acclaimed “House of Cards,” one of the streaming service’s first big hits. He came back...

Boyscott is an independent music band. (Courtesy of Behind the Curtains Media)

Indie Rock Group Boyscott Wants to Conquer Brooklyn

With over four million streams on Spotify, the Connecticut-based indie rock group is just getting started.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor March 31, 2019

Indie rock minimalist group Boyscott played to a crowded room in Ridgewood, Queens March 24 in what was their most “intimidating” set yet. In fact, band members flew in their...

(via 20th Century Fox)

Unpopular Opinions: Animal Characters

No animals were harmed in the making of this list.
Guru Ramanathan, Dante Sacco and Alex Cullina March 26, 2019

The live-action “Dumbo” remake comes out this week, and it got the Arts Desk thinking about the countless animal characters that have graced the silver screen, especially in...

Anupam Kher as "Oberoi" in director Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai, a Bleecker Street release. (Courtesy of Mark Rogers / Bleecker Street)

Anupam Kher on Tragedy and Compassion in ‘Hotel Mumbai’

The acclaimed Bollywood thespian spoke with WSN about playing a real-life character in his new film.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor March 25, 2019

Eleven years ago, the Indian metropolis of Mumbai was brought under siege by Pakistani terrorists in a deadly attack. A popular restaurant, two hospitals and the Taj Mahal Palace...

Movie poster for Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019). (via Warner Bros. Pictures)

Unpopular Opinions: Children’s Book Series

In honor of the new Nancy Drew movie coming out, the Arts Desk is giving its hot takes on children’s book series.

If you weren’t already aware, “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase” is coming out this week. Since it’s based on the popular children’s book series, the Arts Desk is...

Poster for Climax by Gaspar Noe (Courtesy of A24)

‘Climax’ Pushes the Limits of Human Nature

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor March 11, 2019

The best nights are the ones that come unexpectedly — last-minute debauchery that catapults you into the adventure-filled and wondrous unknown. In “Climax,” French director...

A scene from "Dinner for Schmucks," a remake of the French comedy "Le Dîner de Cons." (via Paramount)

Unpopular Opinions: Remakes and Reboots

With A24’s “Gloria Bell,” the remake of the Chilean film “Gloria,” receiving a lot of early praise, the Arts Desk is looking at other remakes and reboots that are also up to par with, or better than, their predecessors.

From “A Star Is Born” to the upcoming live-action “The Lion King,” remakes and reboots have been mainstays in Hollywood for decades. Though it is easy to immediately discredit...

Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski star in the German drama “Transit”. (Courtesy of Music Box Films)

‘Transit’ Is a Bumpy Ride That Still Bores

Officially selected for the New York Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, the German film is a fascinating character drama that is let down by a poor script.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor March 4, 2019

Like its title suggests, “Transit” is mobile, unable to find solace in any one mood, setting or genre, oscillating back and forth between being an interesting character drama,...

Unpopular Opinions: 2000s Disney Channel Shows

Unpopular Opinions: 2000s Disney Channel Shows

The Arts Desk is here with takes on some of your childhood faves.
Guru Ramanthan, Dante Sacco and Nicole Rosenthal February 27, 2019

While we recover from the Oscars, it’s time to take another stroll down memory lane and revisit our childhoods. In the past, the Arts Desk has written about some of our favorite...

A still of Pete Holmes, from the HBO show Crashing. (Courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn)

Pete Holmes Talks ‘Crashing’ and Comedic Identity

Comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and producer Peter Holmes spoke with WSN about the new season of his HBO show “Crashing” and gave his thoughts on modern comedy.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor February 25, 2019

For Pete Holmes, the essence of comedy is truth. This is perhaps why he incorporated several real-life events, like how his ex-wife’s infidelity led him to pursue comedy, into...

Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 86th oscars. (via Youtube)

Unpopular Opinions: Oscar Hosts

The Arts Desk is tired of giving hot takes on snubs and surprises and have decided to critique a different aspect of awards shows: the hosts!

Well, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to forgo a host for this year’s Oscars, so what better way to ignore such a boring move than to celebrate the art...

Facade of the NYU Department of Psychology (via NYU)

The Golden Age of Music, Defined in an NYU Psych Lab

Psychology professor Pascal Wallisch led a study with undergraduate students about generational music preferences.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor February 19, 2019

To many in Generation X, the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s are idealized as the golden age of music. According to a new psychological study at NYU, younger generations might feel the...

Unpopular Opinions: Romantic Comedy Protagonists

Unpopular Opinions: Romantic Comedy Protagonists

Valentine's Day is coming up and the Arts Desk cannot wait! Thus, they’ve decided to critically analyze rom-coms in anticipation of the big day.

People generally tend to fall on two extremes with romantic comedies: they either desperately want to love them or they consider the plots just too cheesy to be appreciated. A...

Album art for student music group strangers. (Photo by Anna Letson)

From Across the Atlantic, NYU’s strangers Brings People Together

No distance can break this musical collaboration.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor February 11, 2019

They collaborate through their computer screens while sitting 7,000 miles apart. But Gallatin senior Alexa Riesenberg, based in Manhattan, and bandmate Gino Lee, who lives in South...

Danny DeVito in M&M's Super Bowl commercial. (via Facebook)

Unpopular Opinions: Super Bowl Commercials

In which the Arts Desk gives hot takes on what is the most important of the big game, anyway.

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched TV broadcasts every year, but there is more than one reason hordes of fans tune in to watch teams lose to the Patriots year after year....

Jefferson Mays as Dr. George Hodel in “I Am The Night.” (Photo by Clay Enos, Courtesy of TNT)

Tony Winner Talks ‘I Am The Night’

WSN sits down with actor Jefferson Mays to talk about his role in TNT’s new limited series “I Am the Night,” co-starring Chris Pine.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor February 4, 2019

Jefferson Mays has been a storyteller his whole life. In his childhood, his family did not have a television set, so he and his parents would read books out loud to each other...

Indie-electronic artist Shamir, who most recently released his album "Resolution," will take the stage this Saturday in Brooklyn.  (via facebook.com)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events this Weekend: Feb. 1 to 3

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Culina and Nicole Rosenthal January 31, 2019

If Super Bowl Sunday isn’t your speed and Restaurant Week is a little out of your budget, here are a few fun (and affordable!) events to check out this weekend. Dance Yourself...

Chris Pine as reporter Jay Singletary in I AM THE NIGHT. Photo courtesy of TNT

‘I Am The Night’ Is A Few Steps Short of Success

TNT’s new neo-noir limited series is based off a fascinating true story, but isn’t the home run many hoped it would be in its first episode.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor January 30, 2019

Murder, mystery and conspiracies — all juicy elements that are necessary to concoct a pulpy noir. From film classics like “Double Indemnity” to contemporary series such...

via flickr.com

Unpopular Opinions: ‘Black Mirror’

The first spring 2019 edition of one of the Arts Desk’s acclaimed weekly series deals out hot takes on Netflix’s Emmy-winning sci-fi series.
Alex Cullina, Guru Ramanathan and Nicole Rosenthal January 30, 2019

Technology in the 21st century: what’s not to love? From smartphones and supercomputers to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, technology has radically altered our way...

Karen (Anne Hathaway) brings turbulent tides to Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) as his past resurfaces in "Serenity." (Courtesy of Aviron Pictures)

‘Serenity’ Sunk by a Ludicrous Script

The Matthew McConaughey-Anne Hathaway starrer starts off as a fishing neo-noir and derails halfway through into a clumsy, existential thriller.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor January 29, 2019

Oscar-nominated director Steven Knight’s new film “Serenity” is a confounding experience, but not because it challenges the viewer on some profound, artistic level. From...

Concept Art by Lee Milby from the advanced short film "Cow-Boy," a drama about fraternity hazing (Courtesy of Bronson Aznavorian).

Funding Your Cinematic Dream

Tisch Film & TV seniors discuss crowdfunding thousands of dollars for their advanced short films.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor January 28, 2019

“The very fact that a movie gets made is a miracle,” the Chief Operating Officer of FilmNation Entertainment said to Tisch Film & TV senior Bronson Aznavorian during his...

Tom Schilling as painter Kurt Barnet. (Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics)

‘Never Look Away’ Paints an Expansive Portrait of Germany’s Art History

The celebrated German film finally expands into wide release in the United States on the heels of being nominated for two Oscars at the 91st Academy Awards.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor January 24, 2019

After watching his 188-minute period epic “Never Look Away” — loosely based on the life of German artist Gerhard Richter — two things became clear about German filmmaker...

Yakuts carrying wooly mammoth tusks on the New Siberian Islands. Courtesy of KimStim.

Sundance Documentary Winner ‘Genesis 2.0’ Hits IFC Center

A look into the making of Christian Frei’s documentary, which follows hunters in their search for dead wooly mammoths and scientists working to clone them.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor January 3, 2019

Every summer dozens of Yakutian men leave their homes to trek the remote New Siberian Islands in search of a unique treasure: wooly mammoth tusks. They desperately hack at the...

Yalitza Aparicio and Marco Graf in a scene from "Roma." (Courtesy of Netflix)

‘Roma’ Is Human — Simultaneously Moving and Frustrating

The 2018 Mexican Oscar entry is Alfonso Cuarón’s first film since winning an Oscar for directing “Gravity.”
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor December 3, 2018
The 2018 Mexican Oscar entry is Alfonso Cuarón’s first film since winning an Oscar for directing “Gravity.”
3OH!3 members Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte played their chart-topping 2008 album "Want" on Tuesday at Irving Plaza. (Photo by Nicole Rosenthal)

3OH!3 Commands Irving Plaza

If you’re looking for a time machine to take you to that part of 2008, you’re in luck.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor December 3, 2018

Ten years ago was a much simpler time. Teens faced an epidemic of texter’s thumb, watched iTunes-bought Jersey Shore episodes from their iTouch devices and uploaded their latest...

Will Ferrell as Buddy in "Elf," a classic Christmas film that promises to deliver laughs and holiday spirit year after year. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Best Holiday Films

As November comes to an end and we recover from the pounds of turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce consumed at Thanksgiving, the holiday season begins to close in. Whether...

Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin as long-time best friends in "The Kominsky Method," which finds humor in aging. (via facebook.com)

‘The Kominsky Method’ Ruminates on Life, Death and Enlarged Prostates

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor November 28, 2018
Netflix’s latest original series brings two Hollywood legends to the small screen and lets them find comedy in their old age.
Unpopular Opinions: Actors

Unpopular Opinions: Actors

Hot takes on Hollywood Hall-of-Famers.
A scene from the Palm d'Or-winning film "Shoplifters." (via facebook.com)

Cannes Favorite ‘Shoplifters’ Arrives at IFC Center

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s drama won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and should be your next stop at the IFC Center.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor November 26, 2018
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s drama won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and should be your next stop at the IFC Center.
Viola Davis as the grieving Veronica Rawlings in heist thriller "Widows." (Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

‘Widows’ Ranks Among the Best Heist Films

The follow up to his Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave,” co-writer and director Steve McQueen returns with an arthouse heist thriller with the ensemble of the century
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor November 18, 2018
The follow up to his Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave,” co-writer and director Steve McQueen returns with an arthouse heist thriller with the ensemble of the century
The cast of "A Fish Called Wanda." (via flickr.com)

Staff Recs: Best Film Ensembles

Every so often, a movie ensemble absolutely blows audiences away and makes us ask ourselves, “How can one movie could contain so much talent and power?”
Every so often, a movie ensemble absolutely blows audiences away and makes us ask ourselves, “How can one movie could contain so much talent and power?”
Wyatt Russell in "Overlord." (via facebook.com)

‘Overlord’ Is an Amazing WWII B-Movie That Offers Zombies Too

Though advertised as a generic zombie flick, the J.J. Abrams-produced film is secretly a stellar World War II action-thriller flying under the radar.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor November 12, 2018
Though advertised as a generic zombie flick, the J.J. Abrams-produced film is secretly a stellar World War II action-thriller flying under the radar.
Eva Hendricks of Charly Bliss on tour with Death Cab for Cutie. (via instagram.com)

Clive Alumna Eva Hendricks On Tour With Death Cab for Cutie

Clive alumna and Charly Bliss frontwoman on mental health, the importance of love songs and touring Trump’s America.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor November 12, 2018
Clive alumna and Charly Bliss frontwoman on mental health, the importance of love songs and touring Trump’s America.
From left to right, clockwise: “Lush” by Snail Mail, “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel, “Magic Potion” by The Black Keys and “Collection” by Soccer Mommy. (via spotify.com)

Staff Recs: Best Albums for Fall

“Lush” by Snail Mail Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor I am not going to lie: I fell in love with the album “Lush” when I discovered Snail Mail early last spring. I was lucky...

Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart in "The Front Runner." (Courtesy of Sony Pictures)

From ‘Front Runner’ to Political Pariah

Politics and celebrity collide in “The Front Runner,” which tells the story of 1988 presidential hopeful Gary Hart, whose campaign was derailed by rumors of an extramarital affair.
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor November 5, 2018
Politics and celebrity collide in “The Front Runner,” which tells the story of 1988 presidential hopeful Gary Hart, whose campaign was derailed by rumors of an extramarital affair.
Clive Davis Senior and musician Claire Hawkins. (Courtesy of Charlotte Freitag)

Clive Senior on Being ‘Reckless’

The singer-songwriter ruminates on freedom and its consequences on her newly-released single.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor November 5, 2018
The singer-songwriter ruminates on freedom and its consequences on her newly-released single.
Dennis Hopper in "Blue Velvet." (via twitter.com)

Staff Recs: Best Villains

Get your watch queue ready for the baddest villains of them all.
Get your watch queue ready for the baddest villains of them all.
Unpopular Opinions: Supernatural Villains

Unpopular Opinions: Supernatural Villains

This week we’re getting spooky niche with our unpopular opinions and taking a look at supernatural villains!

The spookiest day of the year is upon us: Halloween. All the ghosts and goblins come to play on this night of tricks and treats. Halloween is a pop culture phenomenon — the basis...

A promotional poster for the third season of "Daredevil." (via Facebook.com)

‘Daredevil’ Season 3 Is the Perfect Action Noir

Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 29, 2018
The latest season of "Daredevil" provides more over-the-top action and subtle drama than fans could have hoped for.
Gary Hart during his 1987 presidential campaign. (via commons.wikimedia.org)

Gary Hart and the Year Politics Collided With Celebrity

One fateful week in 1987 and how it changed the future of politics.
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor October 29, 2018
One fateful week in 1987 and how it changed the future of politics.
Shevaun Mizrahi, an NYU Master of Fine Arts graduate, spent six years filming her upcoming documentary “Distant Constellation” at a retirement home in Istanbul. (Photo courtesy of Shevaun Mizrahi)

The Six Years Behind a Tisch Grad’s Debut Film

Over a six-year process, Shevaun Mizrahi crafted a continuing emotional narrative in her debut film.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 29, 2018
Over a six-year process, Shevaun Mizrahi crafted a continuing emotional narrative in her debut film.
John Travolta and Uma Thurman in a scene from "Pulp Fiction," which boasts one of the most iconic soundtracks in cinema history. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Best Movie Soundtracks and Scores

The release of "Mid90s" has reminded audiences of the importance of a great soundtrack. Check out WSN's top picks for best movie soundtracks and scores.
Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Unpopular Opinions: Albums

Think you have a hot take on an underrated or overrated record? See how it holds up against WSN's picks in Unpopular Opinions: Albums edition.
Faraday Okoro winning $1 million grant at Tribeca Film Festival. (via facebook.com)

The Million Dollar Story of Faraday Okoro

Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 22, 2018
WSN talks to NYU MFA grad Faraday Okoro, inaugural winner of the AT&T and Tribeca Film Institute's "Untold Stories" prize, about his debut film "Nigerian Prince."
Masked serial killer Michael Meyers in "Halloween." (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Scariest Horror Movies

Halloween is creeping up, so here are our picks for Scariest Horror Movies to terrify you on a dark, lonely night.
Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors

Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors

The 20th century birthed a plethora of renowned authors, some overrated and some underrated. This week, the Arts Desk tackles Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors.
A collage depicting the many artists and movements in pop culture influenced by the Velvet Underground. (Photo by Daniella Nichinson)

The Velvet Underground Through the Lens of ’60s New York

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor October 15, 2018
The Velvet Underground Experience, a new immersive exhibition, takes you down the history of one of history's greatest bands and the 1960s-era New York that influenced it.
Behind the Scenes With the NYU Mixtapes Preparing for Concert

Behind the Scenes With the NYU Mixtapes Preparing for Concert

Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor October 12, 2018

The Mixtapes are one of NYU’s most popular a capella groups, currently led by Musical Director Sam Dhanraj, a senior in Steinhardt. They recently released their first single...

Greta Gerwig and Sam Levy on the set of "Lady Bird." (Courtesy of A24)

Staff Recs: Best Actors-Turned-Directors

With Bradley Cooper being the latest actor to try his hand at directing, here are our top picks for best actors turned directors.
(photographs by Katie Peurrung)

Hammerkatz

Sketches, Not Skits!
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 11, 2018

An extravagant businessman walks into a classroom to meet with his son’s elementary school teacher. The father is horrified to find out that his son has been flinging poop at...

(photographs by Katie Peurrung)

Rachel Main

Telling Stories in Search of Universality
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor October 11, 2018

Writing is a cathartic experience. It’s a time for the writer to face the blank page, nothing standing between them and what they want to say. It is also a meditative process...

Timo Vollbrecht

Timo Vollbrecht

Painting Musical Portraits of Humanity
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor October 11, 2018

For Timo Vollbrecht, a Steinhardt doctoral student in Jazz Studies and Composition, capturing the essence of worldly encounters is just a regular day’s work. The internationally-performing...

Unpopular Opinions: Directors

Unpopular Opinions: Directors

Not all directors are created equal. Here are our thoughts on some underrated and overrated filmmakers.
Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly in "Chicago."

Staff Recs: Hollywood Movie Musicals

Celebrate the premiere of "A Star Is Born" with our personal picks for the best movie musicals.
Nina performing stand up

Tisch Alum Makes Her Debut With Hidden Gem ‘All About Nina’

Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a magnetic performance as a damaged stand-up comedian.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor October 2, 2018
Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives a magnetic performance as a damaged stand-up comedian.
Unpopular Opinions: Film & TV Protagonists

Unpopular Opinions: Film & TV Protagonists

Main characters we love to hate.

When it comes to central characters in film and TV, viewers can quickly develop deep, unshakable convictions. Everyone hates Joffrey. Everyone loves Daenerys. But what if you think...

Members of boy group *NSYNC.

Staff Recs: Best Early 2000s Jams

Unabashedly indulge your bedazzled former self and rock out to these early 2000s hits.
Unpopular Opinions: Cinematic Classics

Unpopular Opinions: Cinematic Classics

Don't be shy about hating some of these classic films.
Still from the film "The Last Suit."

Friendship Is Everlasting in ‘The Last Suit’

Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor September 24, 2018
The beauty of friendship shines a warm light the daunting journey of a Jewish Holocaust survivor in "The Last Suit"
 Kali Uchis and Tyler, The Creator in the "Perfect" music video.

Staff Recs: Best Songs To Fall In Love To

Fall is the season when everyone wants to find in love — here are the best songs to indulge your inner romantic.
Fall is the season when everyone wants to find in love — here are the best songs to indulge your inner romantic.
Walter Sobchak (left), played by John Goodman, and Jeffrey Lebowski, played by Jeff Bridges, in "The Big Lebowski." The movie came out 20 years ago.

20 Years of Soiled Rugs, Bowling and the Dude

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, "The Big Lebowski" continues to be a timeless cult classic loved by audiences.
Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor September 20, 2018
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, "The Big Lebowski" continues to be a timeless cult classic loved by audiences.
Richie Merritt and Matthew McConaughey in "White Boy Rick."

‘White Boy Rick’ Misfires

"White Boy Rick" delivers a scene-stealing performance by Matthew McConaughey, but fails to impress everywhere else.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor September 17, 2018
"White Boy Rick" delivers a scene-stealing performance by Matthew McConaughey, but fails to impress everywhere else.
Screenshots from some of the shows mentioned. From left to right: "Alex Strangelove," "Mudbound," "Ozark," "Nailed It!" and "Sacred Games."

Staff Recs: Best Netflix Originals

Netflix is the future of cinema and here's why.
Netflix is the future of cinema and here's why.
Catherine Devine, a sophomore in CAS, dancing.

Fighting for Legitimacy, Ballerinas Resort to Rented Basements

Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor September 10, 2018
WSN speaks to Camille Barbin and Catherine Devine, the faces behind the university's first ballet company, the NYU Ballet Collective.
 Mia Goth and Dakota Johnson in a scene from "Suspiria."

Staff Recs: Our Most Anticipated Films of Fall 2018

Many of this fall's film releases are highly anticipated, but these are the ones we're looking forward to the most.
This fall's film releases are highly anticipated, but these are the ones we're looking forward to the most.
MoviePass recently overhauled its subscription service, upsetting some users.

MoviePass Failed but New Services Are on the Horizon

MoviePass gave us more than just a great bargain — it revived the moviegoing experience.
Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor September 6, 2018
MoviePass gave us more than just a great bargain — it revived the moviegoing experience.
Sheck Wes at this year's Mystery Concert.

Sheck Wes Paints the Town Rouge at Mystery Concert

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor September 5, 2018
Sheck Wes, Japanese Breakfast and Venus X took to the stage at (Le) Poisson Rouge last night, for NYU students only.
Kelela performing at the 2016 Mystery Concert.

Mystery Concert Headliners Revealed

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor September 4, 2018
NYU has revealed the three acts performing at the annual Mystery Concert.
Michael Manzi plays a show at campus music venue The Bitter End.

This Gallatin Junior Sings and Studies Love

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor September 4, 2018
Michael Manzi took to the stage at The Bitter End to share his meditations on love and its versatile forms.
“John McEnroe: In the Realm of Perfection” is now playing at the Film Forum.

John McEnroe and the Sport of Cinema

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor September 4, 2018
A new sports documentary highlighting John McEnroe's run at the 1984 French Open explores the player's battle with himself and the intersection of tennis and cinema.
The movie poster from “First Reformed.”

Ethan Hawke: Cassavetes Reborn

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor September 4, 2018
With films like "Boyhood," "First Reformed" and his most recent directorial effort "Blaze," Ethan Hawke makes art for the sole purpose of art.
Mia Berrin of Pom Pom Squad.

Three Student Acts on the Rise

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor August 26, 2018
Check out this handful of talented up-and-coming musicians at NYU to start off your fall semester.
Skirball Center hosted a discussion about the Stonewall riots and the NYU community’s long-standing involvement in LGBTQ issues.

Skirball Unveils Exciting Fall Season

Daniella Nichinson, Arts Editor August 26, 2018
NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts gears up for an exciting fall season.
Tessa Thompson as Detroit in "Sorry to Both You."

Best of Summer Film

Guru Ramanathan, Film Editor August 26, 2018
As summer winds down, relive some of the season's best and most memorable films.
Sign from this year's Governors Ball

Tom Russell Talks Festival Culture and Founding of Governors Ball

Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor June 10, 2018

Music lovers of all ages have been dishing out hundreds to see their favorite artists all in one place every summer at music festivals across the country. But during the early...

Liv Hill in "Jellyfish."

Tribeca 2018: ‘Jellyfish’ Is a Valiant First Effort for James Gardner

Guru Ramanathan, Staff Writer April 30, 2018
If one were to judge James Gardner’s film “Jellyfish” on its synopsis, their initial assumptions may deceive them.
John Krasinksi in "A Quiet Place."

Staff Recs: Intelligent Horror Films

In honor of "A Quiet Place" getting a sequel and "Get Out" winning an Oscar, WSN has compiled a list of the most intelligent horror films for your viewing pleasure.